Challenges in the Utilization of Visual Representations in Mathematical Word Problem Solving

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Word problem is a story problem and the students normally have to relate between the known and the unknown. Solving word problems in Mathematics is important but Mathematics teachers find that students struggle most when solving word problems (Miranda, 2016). This study aimed to determine the challenges encountered by the participants in utilizing visual representations in mathematical word problem solving and to develop procedures and procedural flow. Utilizing the visual representations in the implementation of Polya's steps, the findings of this study seeks to improve the quality of Mathematics education in the area of mathematical word problem-solving.

METHODS

The researcher utilized a qualitative research design to analyze the challenges encountered by the participants in utilizing visual representations in solving mathematical word problems. The researcher conducted overt interview wherein the participants were interviewed one by one. The transcript of interviews was considered in the analysis of the challenges encountered by the participants in solving mathematical word problems.

RESULTS

The challenges encountered by the participants in utilizing visual representations in mathematical word problem solving were labeling, drawing skill, analysis of the problem, and identifying the formula to be utilized. Participants also encountered problems in synthesis, time consumption, analysis of the drawing, checking, decision making, identification of the given, language, redrawing the drawing, and stress. One of them stated that she does not have problems in utilizing visual schematic representation and two of them stated that they did not have problems in utilizing or pictorial representation. This is due to their own comprehension skills of the problem.

DISCUSSIONS

Based on the findings of the study, procedures and procedural flow that contains procedures on the utilization of visual representations in the implementation of Polya's steps was devised to help students improve their skills in mathematical word problem-solving. The procedures and procedural flow in utilizing visual representations in solving different mathematical word problems developed by the researcher cover 6 topics which have word problems that the users need to solve with the aid of visual representations.